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Trouble latching

So my newborn is 2.5 weeks old. We have had latch problems from the beginning with sore nipples and crying. Nipples finally healed and now look fine. I got burning between feedings with moderate pain during. Ive gotten used to it so i can tolerate it better. My baby seems to only grab the nipple despite my attempts to fix it. Sometimes her top lip is flanged out but her bottom lip barely ever. I know the latch is to blame and until i get it fixed im going to continue to have it. Ive tried different positions and same problem. She gets plenty to eat and is always satisfied cuz i produce enough milk. Please help.

so i think it's time to look for someone who can help you in person. that might be a LLLeader if there's a meeting soon or one who will meet you in person sooner, or an IBCLC who can evaluate the latch professionally. IBCLC's are expensive but good ones are totally worth it and WAY cheaper than formula.

Re: Trouble latching

I have a call out to my LC where i gave birth but she is off weekends. I want to correct the problem before i have to see her. Like i said my baby is eating well just minor clicking and my pain. Just looking for suggestions on getting a better latch.

Re: Trouble latching

Are you nursing exclusively? If your nipples were able to heal while you nurse, that suggests things are improving. Is that not your experience with the pain at least slightly improving?
you mention that your nipples hurt between nursing sessions. this could be due to your nipples still being not completly healed and being irritated by your clothing. but it could also possibly indicate thrush or a bacterial infection of the nipple, or a condition called vasospasm. All should be ruled out, because these cause pain even when latch is fine.

I suggest nurse baby very frequently. this age a baby will typcally nurse at least 10-12 times per 24 hour cycle. Frequent nursing helps just about all breastfeeding issues, yes even latch pain.
When dealing with a painful latch there are lots of things to try, and it may help to try them multiple times-what does not work today may work tomorrow.

Have you tried laid back positioning and/or the 'breast sandwich' latch technigue?

also try to not worry how latch loooks. this gives us clues about what the problem may be, but it is much more important how latch feels. I have seen many perfect latches where mom is in terrible pain, and seen 'nipple nursing' where mom feels fine. All that is needed is that baby gets enough milk and it does not hurt mom to nurse.

clicking may suggest forceful letdown or tongue tie. But some babies just click.

For your nipples...you can try over-the-counter lanoling and also Dr Newman has an ointment he prescribes for nipple pain. It can give alot of relief. It treats the pain and helps heal your nipples, but getting the latch right is still the best prevention.

Canadian mom and breastmilk fan.
We have 2 beautiful children: Luana who's 9 y/o, had breastmilk for 2 years and is smart as a whip. Lucas who came out kickin', is 4 y/o and continues to enjoy his milkies.

Re: Trouble latching

Thrush can really be painful. Glad to hear you're on the mend.

Canadian mom and breastmilk fan.
We have 2 beautiful children: Luana who's 9 y/o, had breastmilk for 2 years and is smart as a whip. Lucas who came out kickin', is 4 y/o and continues to enjoy his milkies.